Memorable buka puasa

For the first time, 120 orphans and children from low-income families under the care of Kulaijaya’s branch of IKRAM Malaysia, enjoyed a breaking-of-fast meal at Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor. 

Some of the children with their Ramadan gifts at the
buka puasa event hosted at Le Grandeur Palm Resort

While they have been hosted to similar events at mosques in Senai, Kulai and even at Senai International Airport, it was a new experience for the youngsters to break their fast in a hotel environment.

“Underprivileged children may never have the opportunity to step into a resort hotel and we are grateful to the Le Grandeur Palm Resort management for hosting the breaking-of-fast meal and presenting each guest with Ramadan gifts,” said IKRAM Johor President, Associate Professor Ustaz Dr Haji Ajmain Safar.

IKRAM Johor Chairman of the Community Service Committee and Chairman of I-Bantu, Dr Faizal Amri Adnan, also expressed his appreciation to the resort and Bank Muamalat for their partnership in making this festive season more meaningful for the children. 

Le Grandeur Palm Resort General Manager, Jef Kong,
[Standing 2nd from Left] with guests from IKRAM Kulaijaya

Dr Faizal thanked the resort for the gift of cookies and duit raya to each child, in addition to hosting the meal.  He also acknowledged Bank Muamalat for helping the children to start a savings habit by opening a savings account with a gift of RM20 deposit, each.

“It is our privilege to share goodwill in the spirit of Ramadan with our guests from IKRAM Kulaijaya,” said Le Grandeur Palm Resort General Manager, Jef Kong, before he joined Dr Faizal in presenting the Ramadan gifts to the children.

With the event being held in the Perkasa Ballroom, the guests had the opportunity to walk through the resort’s lobby and spacious corridors that afforded attractive views of the pools and landscaped gardens.  The guests kept the tradition of breaking their fast with sips of refreshing drinks and preserved dates before going to the prayer rooms prepared for them.  Resort staff were on hand to serve the guests with food from the buffet.

The resort staff [Right] serving guests at the event

Guests also helped themselves to a range of delectable desserts, fruits and crisps laid out in separate buffet spreads.  Freshly grilled satay seemed to be one of the most popular items as the guests returned repeatedly for more helpings. 

The evening’s experience clearly made an impression with many of the guests who deliberately approached Kong to shake his hand and thank him before leaving.  Kong was touched and amused when one of the ladies who thanked him uttered a traditional Malay rhyme, “Terima kasih daun keladi, kalau boleh hendak lagi!” with a hint that she hoped to be invited again.

IKRAM Malaysia is a non-profit missionary organisation that also looks after the welfare and community affairs of the underprivileged in the Muslim community.  Established seven years ago, the Kulaijaya branch is among nine branches of IKRAM Johor that operate in various districts in the state.  Run by volunteers, the organisation works closely with local mosques to identify the needy and provide them with the necessary social and welfare support.  For more info, visit website: www.ikramjohor.org

A version of this was published in The Malaysian Insider on 28 June 2015